Stacy Hogan-Adell: My name is Stacy!

NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?

SHA: I haven’t always embraced my natural hair, and I was relaxed for many years. After the birth of my second daughter, I decided to stop with the “creamy crack” and began with wigs/weaves. After losing my edges and suffering from a damaged scalp, I booted the wigs and would just go with getting my hair pressed every month or so, keeping with the straight styles. It was not until I began working in the department of Africology here in our state college that I finally regained my love for my naturally nappy hair. With so much support and so many resources, I am now a proud, fro-wearing, curl-enhancing naturalista!

NC: What’s your current routine?

SHA: I’m still searching for a routine, working out my process that will work for my hair. I find that on a “wash day,” it’s washing with SheaMoisture, conditioning with As I Am, squeeze drying, applying SheaMoisture Curl Cream and Eco Styler gel and then styling my hair in bantu knots (which I love”> or flat twists (my go-to style”>.

NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?

SHA: I love the fro-hawk and the protective styles of bun updos.

NC: What are your must-have products and tools?

SHA: I must have As I Am Curl Clarity Shampoo, the entire SheaMoisture Thick and Curly line, and Twisted Sista 30 Second Curl Spray.

NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?

SHA: I always sleep in a giant mega bonnet (really, it’s huge”> and the next day, I oil my hands, take down and style my hair.

NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?

SHA: Fortunately, I received positive responses to my decision to go natural. My husband was thrilled that I would finally get rid of my wigs and my friends were excited to see what “the diva” would do and how I would rock the natural hair. I even converted my sisters and a few friends…not by persuading them, but by being a trendsetter and leading by example!

NC: Did you big chop or transition and for how long?

SHA: I am a transitioning natural using the “search and destroy” method. I have chopped off quite of bit of hair and the results are very encouraging.

NC: What is the best thing about being curly?

SHA: I really enjoy the versatility of being natural…the many styles, the many product choices, etc. It’s a lot of fun!

NC: How do you think having curly hair impacts your life?

SHA: It enhances my confidence. I love the looks I get (good and bad”>…I guess I’m a sucker for attention! More to the point, I enjoy that my daughters look at my hair and love the curly hair that they have. My oldest daughter (8″> loves when I flat twist her hair, because it’s “Just like Mommy’s” and my baby girl (3″> has natural curls growing like wildfire. It can stay that way because I now have the skills to cultivate her hair!

NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?

SHA: Don’t give up on the decision to go natural! Not all styles will work out the way you see them on YouTube, but keep up the pace…it’s worth it.

NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!

SHA: Outside of my 9 to 5, I have two projects that I work on: baking and clothing design. I own a business (StacyCakes”> and I am looking to launch a clothing line next year (BUILT by Stacy Adell”>. I have a fashion show coming up in March 2014 and I am very excited to share my passion for fashion with everyone! My baking business has been going for almost two years now, and getting stronger as time goes on. Maybe I’ll be on Cupcake Wars one day!

Want to learn more about Stacy? You can find information about Stacy’s business, StacyCakes, and her clothing line, BUILT by Stacy Adell, on Facebook.